JRMC welcomes gastroenterologist
Dr. J. Steven Blake has joined the physician team at Jefferson Regional GI Associates. He is now a member of the Jefferson Regional Medical Staff and will be providing specialized care in gastroenterology.
Blake earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi before completing his medical degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Following medical school, he completed an internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia, according to a news release.
His postgraduate training continued at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he completed both his residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in gastroenterology.
Blake is board certified in gastroenterology and internal medicine. He holds these certifications with the National Board of Physicians & Surgeons as well as the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The doctor is accepting new patients at Jefferson Regional GI Associates, 1609 W. 40th Ave., Suite 401. Details: (870) 541-7201.
Alumni board members named
President Tanesha Thompson welcomed the newest members to the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association Board of Directors.
Incoming board of directors are:
Joyce Bracy Vaughan — Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Alumni Chapter, Southern Region (Arkansas and Tennessee)
Yvonne Morton — Memphis Alumni Chapter, Southern Region (Arkansas and Tennessee)
Carmita Collins — Member-at-Large
Leslie Davis — DFW Alumni Chapter, Western Region (California, Nevada, Texas)
“Their willingness to serve reflects a deep commitment to our shared legacy and to strengthening the connection between the university, our alumni and the organization we proudly represent,” Thompson said in a news release. “The work of this board is essential –providing guidance, vision, and stewardship as we advance our mission and support future generations.”
Each board member will serve a three-year term.
“Each of them brings valuable experience, insight, and passion to this role. I look forward to working alongside them as we collaborate, make thoughtful decisions, and build upon the strong foundation already in place,” she said.
Thompson also thanked the former board members. Outgoing Board of Directors are: Fernando Branch, Janice L. Roberts, Jennifer R. Smith, Jennifer L. Trice, Jimmy Fox, LaDonna Hendrix, Phillip Williams, Raynando Banks, and Ruth Jones.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to each of them for their unwavering commitment and countless hours of service. Their contributions have set a strong foundation for the incoming leadership to build upon,” Thompson said.
UAPB Season Ticket Challenge set
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Athletics Department announced the launch of the Alumni Season Ticket Challenge, a nationwide initiative engaging alumni chapters in direct support of Golden Lion student-athletes through the purchase of general admission basketball season tickets.
This effort builds on the success of the recent football alumni ticket challenge in which UAPB alumni purchased 60 season ticket packages online, generating $6,000 in new revenue, according to a Monday news release.
“This challenge is more than ticket sales — it’s an investment in opportunity,” said Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson. “Our alumni continue to show an unwavering commitment to UAPB and our student athletes. The success of our first campaign proves what’s possible when our Golden Lion family comes together, and we are excited to take this momentum to new heights for basketball, baseball, and softball.”
Throughout the month-long challenge, UAPB alumni chapters nationwide are invited to purchase season tickets. The chapter that purchases the most tickets will be rewarded with four courtside seats to a conference basketball game of their choice in February.
Proceeds support UAPB student-athletes by helping fund scholarships, recruiting, team travel, equipment, and other essential program needs. Alumni who are unable to attend games are encouraged to donate tickets to local youth and future Golden Lions.
This is the purchase link. Details: Quenton Moore, at (870) 718-2203.
Mid-South Berry Conference set
Strawberry, blackberry, blueberry and grape growers in the Mid-South will have the opportunity to network with and hear updates from fellow growers, researchers and industry leaders at the 2026 Mid-South Berry Conference in Fayetteville.
The conference, hosted by local growers’ associations and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture with support from Arkansas Farm Bureau, will kick off at 1 p.m. Jan. 22 and run through noon Jan. 24, according to a news release.
“We’re so excited to get our berry growers together with others from the Mid-South region this winter to give research updates, share updated recommendations and provide insights in how to be successful with berry production in the region,” said Amanda McWhirt, horticulture production specialist for the Division of Agriculture.
The conference will be held at the Don Tyson Center for Agriculture in Fayetteville. Registration is required with a $100 fee for growers’ association members and $150 for non-members. More information for joining local growers’ association can be found on the conference webpage.
Registration, a full agenda and more information can be found on the conference webpage.